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Gore: I will do 'whatever I can' to help Obama

Nobel laureate Al Gore came out in support of Democratic candidate Barack Obama in the run-up to US presidential elections. After remaining on the sidelines during the primaries, Gore pledged to "do whatever [he could]" to help Obama's campaign.

Former US Vice President and Nobel laureate Al Gore gave Barack Obama a resounding endorsement Monday, saying that the United States "simply cannot afford to continue the policies of the last eight years for another four."

"For America to lead the world through the dangers and opportunity we're seeing before us, we've got to have new leadership," he said at a campaign rally with Obama in the US heartland state of Michigan.

After remaining on the sidelines during the pitched Democratic primaries battle between Obama and Hillary Clinton, Gore called Obama a man who can bridge partisan divides to help solve the country's problems.

Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize last year for his high-profile campaign against global warming, Gore called Obama "a candidate who -- in response to those doubting our ability to solve the climate crisis and create a bright future -- inspired millions to say, yes, we can."

Earlier, in a message on his website, Gore -- who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush after a still controversial five-to-four decision on ballot counting in Florida by the US Supreme Court -- declared that he would "do whatever I can to make sure (Obama) is elected."

"Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges, including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis," Gore said.

"Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America."